MTS fare increases will begin Tuesday

Transfer tickets to be eliminated

SAN DIEGO – Bus fares for many routes in the San Diego area will rise Tuesday, and transfer tickets will be eliminated, as changes adopted in October take effect.

Fares will increase to $2 from $1.75 in the new year.

Bus drivers no longer will issue free transfers, and riders instead will be encouraged to buy $5 day passes. The passes are good for travel on buses and trolley lines through the service day, from 4 a.m. to 2 a.m., said Rob Schupp, spokesman for the Metropolitan Transportation System.

Adult monthly passes, good for bus and trolley travel, will also increase, to $64 from $60.

“MTS really never wants to raise fares,” Schupp said, noting that MTS officials have repeatedly said that a steady erosion in state transit money has left them little choice. MTS officials say the service has a $9.2 million budget shortfall.

Schupp said raising fares was preferable to eliminating service.

The fare increases were approved by the MTS board and by a unanimous vote Oct. 19 by SANDAG's transportation committee. Community groups objected to the increases, saying the changes disproportionately hurt the disabled, seniors, the poor and working-class people.

Buying a monthly pass is the most economical option for people who use the transit system daily, Schupp said .

Fares will increase again in January 2009. Many bus routes will cost $2.25, and passes will increase to $68.

Passes for youth, seniors and the disabled will see smaller increases.

For more information about fares or to plan a trip, go to www.sdmts.com or dial 511.